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Foreign ministers

EU Foreign Affairs Ministers Must Act on Gaza Crisis Amid Humanitarian Catastrophe

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the Gaza crisis worsens, EU Foreign Affairs Minister Kaja Kallas's review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement has sparked calls for the EU to take immediate action. Oxfam Humanitarian Expert Agnes Bertrand Sanz emphasizes the need for the EU to stop playing "political ping pong" and act to prevent further loss of life. The EU is Israel's largest trading partner, but the block's continued association with Israel's occupation of Gaza and the West Bank raises concerns about human rights and democratic principles.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU-Israel Association Agreement, which guides the two parties' internal and international policy, explicitly states that relations between them must be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles (Article 2).
  • Israel's well-documented violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank, are in direct contravention of Article 2 of the agreement.
  • Oxfam is calling for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and an end to Israeli occupation in Gaza and the West Bank, along with a permanent ceasefire and safe access to humanitarian aid.
  • Oxfam is also demanding a halt to all arms sales and transfers to Israel, as long as there is a risk they will be used to commit or facilitate serious human rights or humanitarian law violations.
  • The EU is Israel's largest trading partner, but its continued association with Israel raises concerns about human rights and democratic principles.

Statistics:

  • The EU is Israel's biggest trading partner (no specific statistics provided).
  • Israel's violations of international humanitarian law and human rights in Gaza and the West Bank have resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of civilians (no specific statistics provided).
  • Oxfam is calling for a permanent ceasefire and safe access to humanitarian aid in Gaza, which is currently lacking due to ongoing Israeli occupation.

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